Chapter 43

But Andrei wasn't listening. "You've given our son to that monster!" With that, he stormed out, leaving Asa devastated in his wake.

He believed the boy was his own flesh and blood, and Asa was the woman from his past. His turbulent emotions rendered him silent, even when his own sister greeted him warmly. His cold demeanor was unmissable.

Asa, on the other hand, simmered with frustration. She had hoped for a heartfelt reunion, an expression of gratitude. After all, she hadn't just stood by idly; she'd made sacrifices to secure his freedom. She glanced at Juliet, searching for some understanding in her friend's eyes, but found only mirrored confusion. The assistant, too, remained conspicuously silent.

Juliet finally spoke, her gaze drifting to the floor, "My brother detests feeling powerless, especially in the face of defeat. By trading something so precious for his freedom, you unintentionally wounded his pride. It's a deep-seated pain for him."

With a mix of determination and hope, A